Traffic installation

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a traffic installation having at least two traffic routes arranged one above the other, which each comprise at least one traffic area, which traffic area is completely enclosed at least over a certain length, the enclosure having at least one transparent element allowing a view out of the enclosure.

The invention relates to a traffic installation, having at least twotraffic routes arranged one above the other, which each comprise atleast one traffic area.

A traffic installation with at least two traffic routes arranged oneabove the other comprises, for example, two roads arranged one above theother, for example in the case of a bridge, with at least two trafficareas in the form of roadways being arranged one above the other. It isalso possible, however, for traffic routes with rails or other guidingand transporting systems to be arranged one above the other. Apart fromguardrails, the roadways are generally open at the edges of the roadway,which has the disadvantage that noise and exhaust caused by vehiclestraveling on the roadways can be emitted unhindered directly into thesurroundings and the roadways themselves are constantly exposed toatmospheric influences. In built-up areas and towns or cities inparticular, the noise and exhaust from vehicles represent a notinconsiderable burden on humans and animals.

In the case of traffic routes for rail-bound vehicles, in particulartrains, as well as in the case of traffic routes for automobiles, inparticular freeways, protection from noise is provided at least forresidents near a traffic route by so-called noise barrier walls on bothsides of a traffic route, but they usually have the disadvantage thatthey do not allow a view from the traffic route out into the areasurrounding the traffic route. Travelers, whether passengers on a trainor road users in a car, with a claustrophobic disposition may thereforefind when they are on the traffic routes that, in the same way as in atunnel, they develop feelings of being confined or even states ofanxiety or fear.

The invention is therefore based on the object of designing a trafficinstallation of the type mentioned at the beginning in such a way thatit can be better adapted as well as possible to the needs of travelersand/or nearby residents.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a trafficinstallation having at least two traffic routes arranged one above theother, which each comprises at least one traffic area, which may forexample also have a number of lanes, which traffic area is completelyenclosed at least over a certain length, the enclosure having at leastone transparent element allowing a view out of the enclosure. It istherefore proposed to arrange two traffic routes one above the other,whereby a space-saving, environmentally friendly way of handling trafficcan be realized, since the traffic routes are not arranged next to oneanother, requiring considerable space, but one above the other in aspace-saving manner. This is relevant not only to built-up areas andtowns or cities, in which there is in any case little space available,but also with a view to a reduced surface area requirement for trafficroutes in general, whereby the progressive urban development of land canbe reduced. The traffic area, for example a single-lane roadway, mayhave emergency, breakdown or escape bays.

Furthermore, the preferably simultaneous enclosure of the traffic areasover at least a certain length produces the advantage that nouncontrolled emission of noise and exhaust into the surroundings of thetraffic installation can take place. This creates the preconditions, forexample, for filtering exhaust gases before they are emitted into thesurroundings. The at least partial enclosure of the traffic areas of thetraffic routes means that they are protected from external atmosphericeffects such as strong heat, rain, ice and snow, also allowing othersurfacings and/or rails than before to be used. The enclosure of thetraffic areas can, in particular, reduce the risk of accidents relatingto rain, ice and snow. Furthermore, savings are obtained, for example onservices provided during winter, which are virtually unnecessary, ornecessary only to a limited extent, for enclosed traffic areas. Thetraffic areas themselves are subjected to less weather-dependentcorrosion as a result of the enclosure, with the result that expenditureon upkeep of the traffic areas can be reduced. The expenditure concernedincludes not only the lower costs for repair work to the traffic areasbut also the lower operating costs of the equipment and vehiclesrequired for maintaining and preserving the traffic areas. The upkeep ofsuch a traffic installation is consequently more cost-effective.

A further advantage of the traffic installation according to theinvention is the at least one transparent element allowing a view out ofthe enclosure, since the visual link with the outside, that is to sayout of the enclosure, advantageously allows users of the trafficinstallation, whether passengers or drivers, to avoid feelings of beingconfined or states of anxiety or fear. The enclosure generally has anumber of transparent elements, which preferably extend along the entireenclosure, to be precise with preference on both sides of the trafficarea of a traffic route. The element or elements are in this casetransparent in such a way that structures and objects outside theenclosure are at least roughly recognizable in terms of outlines and/orcolors. With preference, a transparent element allows a clear viewthrough the element, as is the case with a clear sheet of plastic orglass. The element may be toned and/or tinted, for example to protectagainst strong sunlight.

According to one variant of the invention, the transparent element orelements are arranged in such a way that the transparent element orelements allow a view through the element at least at the viewing heightof a traveler using the traffic area. Depending on how the traffic areais used, the transparent elements are therefore arranged in such a waythat a traveler has, as far as possible, an unrestricted view out of theenclosure to the outside at his or her viewing height or eye level.

According to one embodiment of the invention, in the trafficinstallation a traffic route is intended for an automobile and/or for atwo-wheeled vehicle and/or a pedestrian and/or for a rail-bound vehicle.In this respect, there are an extremely wide range of possibilities forcombining traffic routes in the traffic installation. For example, twotraffic routes intended for automobiles may be arranged one above theother and a traffic route intended for automobiles and two-wheeledvehicles may be arranged above a traffic route intended for rail-boundvehicles.

In particular to keep the ground area requirement for the trafficinstallation as small as possible, the traffic routes of the trafficinstallation are arranged, at least over a certain length, such thatthey follow the same path, vertically one above the other, on differentlevels.

According to variants of the invention, the traffic installationcomprises a supporting structure for the traffic routes arranged oneabove the other, which preferably comprises concrete, for examplereinforced concrete and/or a three-dimensional framework. There istherefore the possibility of fabricating the supporting structure forexample from reinforced concrete or a three-dimensional framework orelse a combination of reinforced concrete and a three-dimensionalframework. The three-dimensional framework in this case comprises tubesor rods and connecting elements for the tubes or rods, the tubes or rodsgenerally being formed from steel and pointed at the ends, in order toconnect them to one another, in particular using spherical connectingelements, to form static structures. Such three-dimensional frameworksare, for example, manufactured and erected by the company MERO-TSKINTERNATIONAL GMBH & CO. KG, based in Würzburg, Germany, which uses, forexample, steel tubes and so-called MERO nodes as connecting elements,which preset certain angles in the structure. Alternative materials thatmay be used are aluminum, GRP (glass fiber reinforced plastic) and/orCRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic), as well as other plastics.

According to variants of the invention, there is the possibility of thesupporting structure having at least one supporting pier, preferablyhowever a number of supporting piers, which at least partially acceptthe traffic routes. However, there is also the possibility of thesupporting structure being formed in such a way that it not onlysupports a traffic route but completely encloses at least one trafficarea of a traffic route, at least over a certain length. In this case,therefore, a traffic area is enclosed by the supporting structure. Thetraffic installation may in this case be designed in such a way thatonly one traffic area of one traffic route is completely enclosed by thesupporting structure over a certain length or else that all the trafficareas or all the traffic routes of the traffic installation arecompletely enclosed by the supporting structure.

In particular if the supporting structure encloses a traffic route or atraffic area, one embodiment of the invention provides that thetransparent element is formed like a window or like a noise barrierwindow and is fitted into the supporting structure like a window or anoise barrier window, a traffic route comprising at least onewindow-like or noise barrier window-like element, with preference anumber of window-like or noise barrier window-like elements extendingalong the traffic route, at least at the viewing height of a travelerusing the traffic area of the traffic route. As already indicated, theseelements may be windows or noise barrier windows.

According to one variant of the invention, the transparent element haswith preference on its side facing the traffic area of the traffic routea sound-absorbing surface, which may for example be formed as ahoneycomb.

The transparent element may for example comprise polycarbonate or otherplastics, such as acrylic or PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate) or glass, orbe at least partly formed from plastic, polycarbonate, acrylic, PMMA orglass. Polycarbonates are synthetic polymers from the family ofpolyesters. Polycarbonates are able to be adjusted to make them highlytransparent, suitable for coloring, welding and adhesive bonding andhave high dimensional stability as well as high impact strength.Polycarbonates are known for example under the trade name MAKROLON fromBAYER AG or LEXAN from the plastics division of GENERAL ELECTRIC.Polymethylmethacrylate is also known under the trade name “Plexiglas”.Plexiglas and acrylic or acrylic glass are synthetic, glass-likethermoplastics.

According to variants of the invention, the transparent element may beof a multi-layered or multi-laminated design, for example in such a waythat a number of transparent plates, which may be spaced apart from oneanother, build up a transparent element. A transparent element may inthis case also have a number of transparent sub-elements that areconnected to one another, the sub-elements for example forming atransparent plate.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the transparent elementcomprises a hollow space, which may for example be obtained by thetransparent element having two transparent plates which are spaced apartfrom one another. With preference, the two plates of the transparentelement are separated from one another by at least one web. The web orwebs is or are intended in particular to achieve the effect that the twotransparent plates of the transparent element are spaced apart from oneanother as equidistantly as possible, as far as possible over the entireextent of the transparent element. The number of webs per transparentelement and their arrangement are in this case chosen with preferenceaccording to the dimensional stability of the two transparent plates ofthe transparent element. In the case of a multi-layered design of thetransparent element, it may have hollow spaces, in particular for noisebarrier. In the noise barrier design, the transparent element may alsobe a noise barrier window.

Embodiments of the invention provide that the transparent element, inparticular the transparent element having two spaced-apart plates, isarranged with a first longitudinal edge side in a first strip, which hasa U-shaped cross-sectional profile. The first strip has in this case ina limb of the U-shaped cross-sectional profile that is facing thetraffic area at least one opening, with preference a number of openings,along the strip to an inner space of the first strip, which inner spaceis connected to the hollow space of the transparent element. Withpreference, the transparent element is arranged with a secondlongitudinal edge side, opposite from the first longitudinal edge side,in a second strip with a U-shaped or else double M-shapedcross-sectional profile, the second strip having an inner space whichextends along the second strip and is connected to the hollow space ofthe transparent element. This configuration of a transparent elementwith a hollow space and the arrangement in a first and a second stripmakes it possible for the opening of the first strip, the inner space ofthe first strip, the hollow space of the transparent element and theinner space of the second strip to form a channel, which with preferenceis connected to a device for supplying fresh air and/or for extractingexhaust air. If, therefore, a transparent element forms for example awall portion of an enclosure of a traffic area in such a way with afirst strip and a second strip, it is possible for the channel describedto be used with preference for extracting exhaust air from the enclosureand sending it for example to a filter device. There is, however, alsothe possibility, as already mentioned, of using the channel forsupplying fresh air into the enclosure. The device for supplying freshair and/or extracting exhaust air has for example a system of pipesconnected to the channel or to a number of such channels, which systemof pipes interacts with a ventilation system for supplying fresh airand/or for extracting exhaust air.

One variant of the invention provides that at least one traffic route isassigned at least one device, with preference independently of thetransparent element, for supplying fresh air into and/or extractingexhaust air out of the enclosure of the traffic route. This may be, forexample, a ventilation system connected to a system of pipes, as isknown for example from tunnel installations of large road tunnels forautomobiles.

The enclosure, having at least one transparent element, for at leastpart of a traffic area of a traffic route may for example be formed as atunnel. An enclosure may have at least two side walls, of which at leastone side wall is formed at least partly by a transparent element. Theenclosure may for example be formed in a V-shaped or U-shaped manner.According to one variant of the invention, the enclosure may, however,also have a separately designed roof structure, it also being possiblefor the roof structure to comprise at least one transparent element.

With a view to greatest possible transparency, it may be provided thatthe roof structure of the enclosure is constructed almost completelyfrom transparent elements.

Furthermore, there is the possibility of the enclosure having at leastone transparent element which has a longitudinal extent and isarc-shaped in cross section. With preference, two arc-shaped transparentelements are connected to one another, for example by way of a doubleU-shaped strip, in such a way that they form a U-shaped portion of anenclosure. Given sufficient elasticity of the material for thetransparent element, it is also possible for only one transparentarc-shaped element to form a U-shaped portion of an enclosure. Thearc-shaped transparent element may also have a number of transparentsub-elements, which are connected or adhesively bonded to one anotherfor example by silicone or are connected to one another by correspondingstrips, for example from the company SCHÜCO or the companySCHMIDLIN-TECHNIK.

Independently of the form of an enclosure or roof structure of anenclosure, the enclosure or roof structure may have at least one openingfor air exchange and/or fire protection, for example smoke and heatextractor flaps. The opening may in this case be located at the vertexof the enclosure or the roof structure. With preference, the opening isprovided on the side of the traffic installation that is facing awayfrom the wind, in order to avoid undesired wind influences, inparticular in the case of strong winds, in the enclosure. The opening inthe enclosure or the roof structure is preferably at least one openinggap extending along the enclosure or the roof structure.

One embodiment of the invention provides that a traffic route has atleast one groove-shaped recess and/or at least one channel and/or atleast one empty tube, which may be arranged on the upper side and/or theunderside of the traffic route or the traffic area of the traffic route.The recess, the channel or the empty tube are for example intended forreceiving supply lines, for example electric supply lines, or forreceiving electric control lines or for supplying fresh air orextracting exhaust air or for carrying liquids.

According to one variant of the invention, a traffic route has as asafety device at least one crash barrier, the crash barrier beingarranged with preference on each side of a traffic area of a trafficroute. If a traffic area of a traffic route is for example a roadway forautomobiles and/or two-wheeled vehicles, the roadway has such a crashbarrier at its edge, that is to say the edge of the traffic area. Withpreference, the crash barrier is a laterally stable guiding guard orstable guide along the traffic route, which is intended to prevent themeans of transport from falling off, whether as a result of an accidentor inattentiveness of a driver, in particular in the case of a trafficroute that is arranged over another traffic route. The crash barrier mayin this case be designed in the form of a guardrail or in the form of awall and form part of the enclosure.

The crash barrier has with preference on its side facing the trafficarea a sound-absorbing surface. The sound-absorbing surface may have aspecial surface structure with depressions (for example holes) or othersound-refracting elements. Corresponding mats or coverings, coatings orrenderings may also be applied.

Furthermore, according to variants of the invention, the crash barriermay have an opening for supplying fresh air and at least onegroove-shaped recess and/or at least one channel and/or at least oneempty tube, for example for receiving electric supply or control lines.With preference, the recess and/or the channel and/or the empty tube ofthe crash barrier and/or of the traffic route are intended for receivingat least one component of a traffic control system. It is conceivablethat, with such a traffic control system in the manner of an autopilotfunction, means of transport using the traffic route are for examplecontrolled in such a way that the means of transport automaticallytravel at the correct speed and have the necessary distances from oneanother and to the side, such a traffic control system allowing inparticular, as a result of the automatic control of the distance to theside, the traffic area to be made particularly narrow. As a result ofthe enclosure that is unaffected by atmospheric influences, bettercontrol guides and/or driverless systems are also possible, and thesecan be used just the same as escalators (for example in the roof).

According to a further variant of the invention, the at least onegroove-shaped recess, the at least one channel and/or the at least oneempty tube of the traffic route and/or of the crash barrier of thetraffic route may be intended for receiving at least one component of anautomatic transport system for a means of transport, for example avehicle. Such a transport system may be for example a drag system or atransport system having at least one transporting belt. The drag systemmay be designed in such a way that a vehicle is hooked with a componentof the vehicle, for example a shackle, in a hook of the drag system andthe drag system automatically guides the vehicle over the traffic route.This may take place in a comparable way with one or more transportingbelts for a means of transport.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the traffic area of atraffic route has at least one roadway for automobiles and/or fortwo-wheeled vehicles, at least one path for pedestrians and/orun-motorized two-wheeled vehicles, also serving as an emergency andescape route, or at least one rail track for rail-bound vehicles. Atraffic route may in this case have only one traffic area for traffic inone direction, a number of traffic areas for traffic in one direction ora number of traffic areas for traffic in opposite directions. Accordingto one variant of the invention, in particular the traffic areas fortraffic in opposite directions of a traffic route are separated by acrash barrier.

If the traffic area is a roadway for automobiles and/or for two-wheeledvehicles and/or a path for pedestrians and/or un-motorized two-wheeledvehicles and/or a traffic area having a rail track, the roadway ortraffic area has with preference a sound-absorbing surface. Thesound-absorbing surface comprises for example an open-pore asphalt. Thesound-absorbing surface may have a special surface structure withdepressions (for example holes) or other sound-refracting elements (forexample trapezoids or honeycombs). A surfacing over a traffic area mayalso have such a sound-absorbing surface.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the traffic installationhas at least one signaling system for indicating the direction of thetraffic on a traffic area of a traffic route. This is advantageous inparticular whenever a traffic area of a traffic route can be used bytraffic in both directions.

Moreover, joining and leaving the traffic routes takes place withpreference by way of ramps, approaches, exits, elevators and/or by wayof parking structures built onto the traffic routes.

According to one variant of the invention, the traffic installation hasat least one emergency, escape or rescue route. Furthermore, at leastone traffic route of the traffic installation may have at least oneemergency, breakdown or escape bay. In particular in the case ofsingle-lane traffic areas or roadways, such emergency, breakdown orescape bays are recommendable to allow hold-ups of the traffic flow tobe avoided.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are represented in theaccompanying schematic drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a partial view of a traffic installation according to theinvention in a partly sectional representation,

FIG. 2 shows a detail of a section through an enclosure of the trafficinstallation from FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 shows a detail of an inner view of an enclosure from FIG. 1 in apartly sectional representation,

FIG. 4 shows a detail of another embodiment of a traffic installation,

FIG. 5 shows a sectional view in the direction of the arrows V from FIG.4 and

FIGS. 6 to 9 show further exemplary embodiments of traffic installationsaccording to the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a first exemplary embodiment of a traffic installationaccording to the invention, in which three traffic routes are arrangedsuch that they follow substantially the same path, vertically one abovethe other, on three different levels. In the case of the presentexemplary embodiment, the first traffic route 1 is intended forrail-bound vehicles, in the present case for trains 4. The traffic area5 of the traffic route 1 has in this case two rail tracks 6 for thetrains 4.

In the case of the present exemplary embodiment, the second trafficroute 2 and the third traffic route 3 are traffic routes for automobiles7 and motorized two-wheeled vehicles (not represented in FIG. 1). In thecase of the present exemplary embodiment, both the traffic route 2 andthe traffic route 3 each have only one traffic area in the form of aroadway 8 and 9, respectively, which is in each case intended fortraffic in only one direction, as is evident from the position of theautomobiles 7 and the arrows entered for this purpose.

In the case of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the trafficinstallation has a supporting structure, in particular for the trafficroutes 2 and 3, which comprises a number of supporting piers. FIG. 1shows such a supporting pier 10 of the supporting structure, which inthe case of the present exemplary embodiment is formed in a U-shapedmanner and has transverse struts 11 for supporting the traffic routes 2and 3, only the transverse struts 11 for the traffic route 2 beingevident in FIG. 1. The supporting structure as a whole or its supportingpiers 10 may be constructed at least partly from concrete, reinforcedconcrete, aluminum, hybrid materials comprising plastics, GRP (glassfiber reinforced plastic), CRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic), otherplastics and also from a three-dimensional framework still to beexplained later. There is in this case the possibility of combining orputting together different building materials to construct thesupporting structure, in particular the supporting piers 10 of thesupporting structure.

The traffic routes 2 and 3 are constructed substantially the same and,in a way not expressly represented in FIG. 1, have a number of trafficroute sections, which are supported by the supporting piers 10 of thesupporting structure. In the case of the present exemplary embodiment,the sections of the traffic routes 2 and 3 are formed from reinforcedconcrete and have in each case on both sides of the roadway 8 or 9 acrash barrier 12 in the form of a wall 12. In particular in the case ofan accident involving a vehicle 7, whether caused by a collision of thevehicle 7 with another vehicle 7 or by inattentiveness of the vehicledriver, the crash barrier 12 is intended to prevent the vehicle 7 fromfalling from the traffic routes 2 or 3.

In the case of the present exemplary embodiment, the traffic routes 2and 3 have groove-shaped recesses, channels and empty tubes, which mayserve for receiving supply lines, for example electric supply lines,electric control lines, extraction devices, transporting devices, etc.In the case of the traffic route 2, it has on the upper side of theroadway 8 a groove-shaped recess 13 extending along the roadway 8 and onits underside three empty tubes 14. The crash barrier 12 on both sidesof the roadway 8 of the traffic route 2 has in each case on its sidefacing the roadway 8 a channel 15 extending along the traffic route 2.In the case of the present exemplary embodiment, the recess 13 and thechannels 15 are covered.

In a way comparable to the traffic route 2, the traffic route 3 also hasin the case of the present exemplary embodiment a groove-shaped recess13 on its upper side of the roadway 9 and an empty tube 14 and twogroove-shaped recesses 16 on its underside. As in the case of thetraffic route 2, the crash barriers 12 on both sides of the roadway 9 ofthe traffic route 3 in each case have a channel 15.

The recesses 13 and 16 as well as the empty tube 14 and the channels 15extend in turn at least over a partial region along the traffic routes3. In the case of the present exemplary embodiment, the recesses 13 and16 as well as the channels 15 of the traffic route 3 are in turncovered.

The roadways 8 and 9 as well as the crash barriers 12 arranged to thesides of the roadways 8 and 9, in particular the surfaces of the crashbarriers 12 that are facing the roadways 8 and 9, each have in the caseof the present exemplary embodiment a sound-absorbing surface 34 and 35,respectively. These may be rough surfaces or surfaces havingsound-refracting elements, with depressions, holes, etc. They may,however, also be sound-insulating coverings, mats, coatings, renderings,etc.

In the case of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, both thetraffic route 2 and the traffic route 3 are completely enclosedsimultaneously over a certain section of the route. In the case of thepresent exemplary embodiment, the tunnel-shaped enclosures 17 of thetraffic routes 2 and 3 are formed substantially the same, for whichreason reference will only be made hereafter to the enclosure 17 of thetraffic route 3.

FIG. 2 shows a detail of a section through the enclosure 17 of thetraffic route 3, which has been taken transversely in relation to thelongitudinal extent of the enclosure 17. It can be seen from FIGS. 1 and2 that, in the case of the present exemplary embodiment, the enclosure17 is made up of a number of components. The enclosure 17 in this casecomprises on both sides of the roadway 9 strips 18, which are arrangedin each case on a crash barrier 12, extend along the traffic route 3and, as can be seen from FIG. 2, have a U-shaped cross-sectionalprofile. The traffic route 3 generally has a number of such strips 18,which, as already mentioned, respectively extend along the traffic route3. In the case of the present exemplary embodiment, transparent plates19 and 20, which have a longitudinal extent in the direction of thetraffic route 3 and with preference are spaced apart equidistantly fromone another, are arranged in a strip 18. The plates 19, 20, which withpreference are connected to one another at certain intervals by way ofwebs 28 (cf. FIG. 3), thereby form a hollow space 25. The plates 19 and20 as well as the webs 28 connecting them are in this case a componentpart of a transparent element 21, which, as already mentioned, isarranged with a side longitudinal edge in the strip 18. The enclosure 17of the traffic installation generally has a number of such transparentelements 21, which extend in a row in the direction of the traffic route3. In the case of the present exemplary embodiment, the other sidelongitudinal edge of the transparent element 21 is arranged in a secondstrip 22, which in the case of the present exemplary embodiment has adouble U-shaped cross-sectional profile and serves as a connecting linkbetween two transparent elements 21, which together with the strips 18and 22 form a subportion of the enclosure 17.

The strip 18 generally has along its extent along the traffic route 3 anumber of openings, one opening 23 of which is shown by way of examplein FIG. 2. The opening 23 leads to an inner space 24 of the strip 18,which extends along the strip 18. The inner space 24 of the strip 18 andthe hollow space 25 of the transparent elements 21 are in this caseconnected to one another in such a way that an exchange of media ispossible. Moreover, the strip 22 likewise has an inner space 26 and 27,which inner spaces 26, 27 extend along the strip 22 or the traffic route3. The opening 23 and the inner space 24 of the strip 18, the hollowspace 25 of the transparent element 21 and the inner space 26 of thestrip 22 in this case form a channel that can be used for supplyingfresh air into the inner space of the traffic route 3 and/or forextracting exhaust air from the inner space of the traffic route 3. InFIG. 3, the principle of the extraction of exhaust air by means of thechannel described is shown in a schematic inner view, that is to say aview from the traffic route 3 in the outward direction. Exhaust air canbe sucked into the inner space 24 of the strip 18 by way of the openings23, and is extracted through the hollow space 25 of the transparentelement 21 and the inner space 26 of the strip 22. As shown in FIG. 3,for this purpose there are, for example in the supporting piers 10 ofthe traffic installation, corresponding extraction devices, which areconnected to the strips 22. Such an extraction unit 30, which may forexample include a fan, is schematically represented by way of example inFIG. 3. As can be seen from FIG. 3, with the aid of the extraction unit30, exhaust air can be extracted from the inner space of the trafficroute 3 on both sides of the supporting pier 10. Moreover, FIG. 3 alsoshows webs 28, which, as already mentioned, connect the plates 19 and 20of a transparent element 21 equidistantly to one another. As can be seenfrom FIG. 3, the enclosure 17 generally has a number of strips 18, 22and a number of transparent elements 21.

Furthermore, it can be seen from FIG. 3 that, in the case of the presentexemplary embodiment, the crash barrier 12 may have openings forsupplying fresh air into the inner space of the traffic route 3. Such anopening 29 is shown by way of example in FIG. 3.

In the case of the present exemplary embodiment, the strips 18 and 22are formed with preference from a corrosion-resistant metal, plastic orcoated metal alloy. The transparent plates 19 and 20 of the transparentelement 21 are for example formed from fully transparent polycarbonate.In the case of the present exemplary embodiment, the surface 36 of thetransparent plate 19 of a transparent element 21 that is facing theinner space of the traffic route 3 is formed in a sound-absorbingmanner, which does not necessarily have to be the case. Thesound-absorbing form of this surface 36 of the transparent element 21and of the roadway 9 and of the surfaces of the crash barriers 12 doesnot cause the enclosure 17 of the roadway 9 to produce increased noisefor travelers using the traffic route 3.

As an alternative or additional measure for providing protection fromnoise, double walls may be provided for the enclosure 17 or parts of theenclosure 17 or any other enclosure.

In the case of the present exemplary embodiment, the transparent element21 with the plates 19, 20 is formed in an arc-shaped manner. However,given sufficient elasticity of the plates 19 and 20, they do not have tobe formed in an arc-shaped manner but may be of a planar form, and thenbent appropriately to allow them to be arranged in the strips 18 and 19.

The transparent element 21 may, moreover, also be constructed in amulti-layered manner, i.e., in particular to provide protection fromnoise to the outside, the transparent element 21 may have furthertransparent plates, which are arranged between the plates 19 and 20.However, the transparent element 21 does not necessarily have to havetwo or more transparent plates, but may also be formed just from asingle transparent plate or a number of transparent plates connecteddirectly to one another, between which there is no hollow space. In thiscase, in particular if it comprises only one transparent plate or anumber of transparent plates connected directly to one another, thetransparent element may be formed in an arc-shaped manner as one part.

As already mentioned at the beginning, the complete enclosure of theroadway 9 or 8 of the traffic route 2 or 3, at least over part of itslength, on the one hand produces a noise barrier for the surroundings ofthe traffic installation, on the other hand means that exhaust gases inthe exhaust air do not escape unhindered into the environment, but canfor example be cleaned by means of the extraction unit 30, usingcorresponding filters. In addition, the traffic routes 2 and 3 aresubject to less corrosion and the risk of accidents, in particular atthe colder time of year bringing snow and ice, is also reduced. As aresult of the arrangement of a number of traffic routes one above theother, a considerable saving is obtained in the resource of land,additionally allowing synergies to be exploited. For example, in thecase of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the electricity of theupper line 39 of the traffic route 1 can be used for lighting thetraffic routes of the traffic installation or for other electricallyoperated devices of the traffic installation, for example signalingsystems such as traffic lights and traffic direction indicators.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show a second exemplary embodiment of a trafficinstallation as a detail and in a sectional representation in thedirection of the arrows V from FIG. 4. The exemplary embodimentrepresented in FIGS. 4 and 5 differs from the exemplary embodiment shownin FIGS. 1 to 3 substantially in that the supporting structure 31 in thecase of the exemplary embodiment represented in FIGS. 4 and 5 completelyencloses the traffic routes 1 to 3, at least over a certain section ofthe traffic routes 1 to 3. As already mentioned, the supportingstructure 31 may in this case be constructed from concrete, reinforcedconcrete, hybrid materials comprising plastics or from other materials.To allow travelers using the traffic routes 1 to 3 to have anunrestricted view out of the supporting structure 31 to avoidclaustrophobic feelings or to avoid feelings of being confined, thetraffic installation represented in FIGS. 4 and 5 has on both sides ofthe roadways 8 and 9 and on both sides of the rail track of the trafficroutes 1 window-like transparent elements 32, which are arranged atleast at the viewing height or eye level of a traveler using theroadways 8 and 9 of the traffic routes 2 and 3 or the traffic route 1,as can be seen from FIG. 4. The window-like transparent elements 32 mayin this case also be arranged directly next to one another, with theresult that no intermediate spaces remain between them, as shown in FIG.4. In the case of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, thecrash barrier is formed by the wall portion of the supporting structure31 under the window-like transparent elements 32.

As in the case of the exemplary embodiment that is shown in FIGS. 1 to3, the roadways 8 and 9, the crash barriers and the window-liketransparent elements 32 in the case of the exemplary embodiment shown inFIGS. 4 and 5 also have a sound-absorbing surface on their side facingthe inner space of the traffic routes 1 to 3, which does not necessarilyhave to be the case. Rather, the window-like transparent elements 32 mayalso be formed as conventional windows or as noise barrier windows. Inaddition, the traffic installation shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 may alsoinclude the functional elements or functional components that aredescribed in conjunction with the traffic installation that is shown inFIGS. 1 and 3. For example, FIG. 5 shows for the traffic route 2 theprovision of empty tubes, which in turn extend along the traffic route2. However, the traffic routes may also have channels and/or recesses.It is additionally indicated in FIG. 5 that an enclosed traffic routemay be assigned a device for supplying fresh air and/or for extractingexhaust air that is preferably independent of the transparent elementand the extraction channel thereof. FIG. 5 shows in the case of thepresent exemplary embodiment an extraction device 33, which may forexample have a fan. In a way not represented in FIG. 5, the extractiondevice 33 may comprise a system of pipes, with which the exhaust air canbe discharged to the surroundings, possibly after prior filtering. Theexhaust air may, however, also be discharged to the environment withoutfiltering in areas that are not critical for humans.

The exemplary embodiment of a traffic installation that is shown inFIGS. 4 and 5 additionally has a fourth traffic route 40, which isarranged above the traffic route 3 and, in the case of the presentexemplary embodiment, is intended for pedestrians and un-motorizedtwo-wheeled vehicles, for example bicycles 41. At least over a partialregion, the traffic route 40 or the traffic area 46 thereof iscompletely enclosed, in the case of the present exemplary embodiment byarc-shaped transparent elements 42, 43. The arc-shaped transparentelements 42 and 43 are in this case arranged in relation to one another,or arranged on the supporting structure 31, in such a way that theenclosure has an opening, which in the case of the present exemplaryembodiment is an opening gap 44 extending along the enclosure. Thearc-shaped transparent elements 42, 43 are in this case kept at asubstantially constant distance from one another, with preference bywebs 45, to form the opening gap 44. The opening gap 44, which withpreference is facing the side of the traffic installation that is awayfrom the wind, makes it possible for fresh air to flow into the trafficroute 40. There is also the possibility on the one hand of supplyingfresh air to a traffic route by way of openings 29 that are arrangedwith preference in a crash barrier (cf. FIG. 3), or by way of an openinggap 44, shown in FIG. 5. In particular when openings 29 are used, theymay be connected to a device which blows the fresh air specifically intothe inner space of the traffic routes.

Further exemplary embodiments of traffic installations according to theinvention are shown in FIGS. 6, 7, 8 and 9.

The traffic routes 50, 51 of FIG. 6 with their roadway 52 or 53,respectively, in particular for automobiles 7, correspond substantiallyto the traffic routes 2 and 3 of the exemplary embodiment describedabove. The traffic routes 50, 51 have on both sides of the roadway 52 or53, respectively, in each case a crash barrier 12. In the case of theexemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the supporting piers, whichsupport in particular the traffic route 51, cannot be seen. Between thecrash barriers 12 of the traffic route 50 and the traffic route 51,window-like transparent elements 54 extend on both sides along thetraffic route 50, whereby the traffic route 50 or the roadway 52 of thetraffic route 50 is completely enclosed, at least over a certainsection. The window-like transparent elements 54 may in this case be,for example, conventional windows or noise barrier windows. The trafficroute 51 in this case represents a kind of roof structure or ceiling 37for the traffic route 50. The ceiling 37 may in this case have asound-absorbing surface. The sound-absorbing surface of the ceiling 37may be formed in the same way as the surface 34 or 35.

The traffic route 51 is enclosed in a comparable way, the traffic route51 having in addition to the laterally arranged window-like transparentelements 54 a roof structure 55, which may likewise be constructed fromtransparent elements or other roof elements. The roof structure 55 mayhave openings 56 for leading away the exhaust gases or for supplyingfresh air. The roof structure may, however, also be assigned anextraction device, with which the exhaust air or the exhaust gases aresent to a filter system or, in areas that are not critical to man, aredischarged into the environment.

The exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 6 discloses in particular apossible use of the aforementioned groove-shaped recesses, channels orempty tubes of the traffic routes or the crash barriers of the trafficroutes. For example, the channels 15 of the crash barriers 12 of thetraffic routes 50 and 51 serve for receiving at least one component of atraffic control system. Such a traffic control system may for examplehave a kind of autopilot function, with the result that vehicles 7 usingthe traffic routes 50 and 51 and having appropriate electrical devicescommunicating with the traffic control system can for example beautomatically controlled. The control may for example comprise that thevehicles are given a prescribed speed or a certain distance from thevehicle ahead or from the crash barriers 12, with the result inparticular that the roadways 52 and 53 of the traffic routes 50 and 51can be made particularly narrow.

Furthermore, FIG. 6 shows that a component 57 of an automatic transportsystem for vehicles 7 may be arranged in the recess 13 of the roadway52. In the case of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 6, thetransport system is an automatic drag system, a hook 57 of the dragsystem in each case engaging in a corresponding counter-device, forexample a shackle 59, of a correspondingly equipped vehicle 7 andautomatically transporting the vehicle 7 over the traffic route 50.

In each recess 13 of the traffic route 51, in the case of the presentexemplary embodiment a transporting belt 58 is arranged in each case,which likewise has the effect that a vehicle 7 is automatically guidedover the traffic route 51 with the aid of the transporting belts 58.With the aid of such transport systems, there is no need for thevehicles 7 to drive themselves on the traffic routes 50, 51.

If one of the traffic routes 50, 51 has a traffic control system and/oran automatic transport system, they comprise, in a way not represented,at least one control device in the form of a program-controlledcomputing device. The control device of the traffic control system inthis case controls the vehicle guidance over the respective trafficroute and the control device of the automatic transport system controlsthe transporting of the vehicles over the respective traffic route.

In the exemplary embodiments described so far, a traffic route has ineach case only one traffic area or roadway for traffic in one direction.According to the exemplary embodiments that are shown in FIGS. 7 and 8,however, a traffic route may also have a number of traffic areas fortraffic in one direction or traffic in opposite directions.

In the case of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the trafficroute 70 has two traffic areas 71 and 72 for trains 4. The trafficroutes 73 and 74, which are arranged above the traffic route 70,likewise have in each case two traffic areas 75, 76 and 77, 78,respectively, which are in each case separated from one another by acrash barrier 12. In the case of the exemplary embodiment represented inFIG. 7, the supporting structure 79 is designed as a three-dimensionalframework with tubes 80 and connecting elements 81. The tubes 80 areconnected to one another by way of the connecting elements or connectingnodes 81 in such a way that the supporting structure in the form of thethree-dimensional framework 79 is obtained. The traffic routes 73 and 74are in this case completely enclosed, at least over one section, in away that cannot be seen from FIG. 7 by the three-dimensional framework,which for this purpose may be covered for example with plates on theinside and/or on the outside. To ensure an unrestricted view for atraveler using the traffic routes 73 and 74, they have, likewise in away that cannot be seen from FIG. 7, corresponding window-liketransparent elements arranged in the three-dimensional framework 79, asare represented for example in FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 shows an exemplary embodiment of a traffic installation in which,in particular, the traffic routes 82 and 83 have in each case twotraffic areas. The traffic areas 84 and 85 are in turn intended fortrains 4, while the traffic areas 86 and 87 of the traffic route 83 areintended for automobiles. The traffic route 88 is intended for use bypedestrians 89 or vehicle drivers. As in the case of the exemplaryembodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the traffic routes 82, 83 and 88 arecompletely enclosed by a supporting structure 90 over at least a sectionof their extent. As previously described, the traffic routes are in thiscase assigned window-like transparent elements.

In particular in the case of the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 7and 8, the traffic installation may have signaling systems which areassigned to the traffic areas of the traffic routes and with which forexample the direction of the traffic can be indicated if traffic areasare intended to be used optionally for traffic in two directions.Accordingly, the signaling systems or traffic direction indicators canbe used to adapt the traveling direction of the vehicles to therespective traffic situation.

In this respect there is also the possibility of allowing the trafficareas of a traffic route to be used by vehicles of a different type. Forexample, a traffic route may have a traffic area for automobiles and,alongside it, a traffic area for trains.

Moreover, joining and leaving the traffic routes takes place in a waynot represented in the figures, with preference by way of ramps,approaches, exits, elevators for the vehicles or else by way of built-onparking structures.

In a way not represented, the enclosures of the traffic routes may haveemergency exits for emergency situations. FIG. 1 shows by way of examplean escape ladder 60, which is arranged on the supporting pier 10 and byway of which the traffic routes 2 and 3 can be left in an emergency.Such an emergency, escape or rescue route may also be enclosed, asindicated in FIG. 1 by dashed lines. There may, however, also be a kindof roof structure provided for the emergency, escape or rescue route.The emergency, escape or rescue route may in this case also be formed ina different manner, for example have stairs with or without a stairwell.

Furthermore, the traffic installation may have at least one elementwhich is assigned to the traffic route, is arranged inside the enclosureof the traffic route and is intended for separating the flow of noiseand/or wind and/or separating the flow of exhaust gases, clouds ofsmoke, etc. The element may for example be arranged on the enclosureand/or on a crash barrier and extend right angles or some other angle inthe direction of the traffic area of the traffic route, the elementhaving a vertical longitudinal extent and a widthwise extent, in thedirection of the traffic area. The widthwise extent is, however, suchthat the traffic over the traffic area is not hindered. The element mayin this case be a spoiler or be constructed like a spoiler and have aseparating edge and/or trapezoidal contour and/or some other suitableinner contour to disturb a flow or an air flow in a way comparable to aspoiler. A traffic route generally has a number of such elements, whichmay be arranged on one or two sides of a traffic area, roadway, etc. Theelements or spoilers serve in particular the purpose of at least partlypreventing or hindering a suction effect, which may occur within thehousing, for example as a result of vehicle movements. Separating edgesof the elements or spoilers in this case provide separation of the flowof wind or air flow. The elements can also be used to separate the flowof noise, and to separate the flow of streams of exhaust gases or cloudsof smoke, etc. With preference, the element or the spoiler is in thiscase respectively adapted to the enclosure. An element or spoiler mayaccordingly be formed in such a manner that it is rectangular, flat orarc-shaped, flat or triangular, flat, etc.

The traffic installations described above only represent exemplaryembodiments of the invention. For example, a traffic route forrail-bound vehicles may also be arranged above a traffic route forautomobiles or pedestrians. Depending on the situation, traffic routesfor different means of transport can therefore be arranged in variouscombination one above the other.

The transparent element also does not necessarily have to be formed frompolycarbonate, but may also be formed from glass, acrylic or PMMA(polymethylmethacrylate), and with or without protection from noise.

In particular whenever a traffic route has only one roadway, lane, etc.,it is recommendable to provide escape, emergency or breakdown bays atcertain intervals along the traffic route. However, traffic routes witha number of roadways, lanes, etc. may also have such escape, emergencyor breakdown bays.

Furthermore, any mixed forms, including of the exemplary embodimentsdescribed, are possible.

For example, FIG. 9 shows a kind of mixed form between the exemplaryembodiments shown in FIG. 1 and in FIG. 6. Like the traffic installationof FIG. 1, the traffic installation of FIG. 9 has three traffic routes 1to 3. As a difference from the exemplary embodiment represented in FIG.1, however, the traffic route 2 is not enclosed in an arc-shaped mannerin the same way as the traffic route 3, but like the traffic route 50 ofthe exemplary embodiment represented in FIG. 6 has transparent elementsat the sides, the underside of the traffic route 3 of FIG. 9 serving asceiling 37.

In the case of the exemplary embodiment represented in FIG. 9, a numberof transparent elements 21 for forming a transparent enclosure 38 arefor example adhesively bonded to one another, for example with silicone,or connected to one another by way of corresponding strips 47. In thesame way, the walls 48 of the traffic route 2 may be constructed fromtransparent elements 21. A transparent element 21 may in this caseitself be constructed in the same way, not shown in the figures, from anumber of transparent sub-elements.

The traffic installation according to the invention is in this caseintended not only for new structures but also for existing trafficroutes. In this case there is the possibility of integrating existingtraffic routes, whether for example railroad lines or roads, into thetraffic installation or supplementing them with the trafficinstallation. Thus it is possible with the aid of a supporting structureto arrange further traffic routes over an existing traffic route. Forexample it is possible to arrange further traffic routes, for examplefor automobiles, over an existing railroad line, as represented in FIGS.1, 5, 7 and 8. In this case it is possible for example for individualenclosures to be provided for the traffic routes, or else for thesupporting structure to enclose the traffic routes.

Moreover, not all the traffic routes of a traffic installation have tobe enclosed. With preference, traffic routes that are used by vehicleswhich produce noise and exhaust when they are operated are enclosed. Forexample, it is possible to dispense with the enclosure of a railroadline if the trains running on it are driven for the most part byelectric motors (cf. FIG. 1).

LIST OF DESIGNATIONS

-   -   1 to 3 traffic routes    -   4 train    -   5 traffic area    -   6 rail track    -   7 automobile or vehicle    -   8, 9 roadway    -   10 supporting pier    -   11 transverse strut    -   12 crash barrier    -   13 recess    -   14 empty tube    -   15 channel    -   16 recess    -   17 enclosure    -   18 strip    -   19, 20 transparent plate    -   21 transparent element    -   22 strip    -   23 opening    -   24 inner space    -   25 hollow space    -   26, 27 inner space    -   28 web    -   29 opening    -   30 extraction unit    -   31 supporting structure    -   32 window-like transparent element    -   33 extraction device    -   34 sound-absorbing surface of the roadway    -   35 sound-absorbing surface of the crash barrier    -   36 sound-absorbing surface of the transparent element    -   37 ceiling    -   38 enclosure    -   39 upper line    -   40 traffic route    -   41 bicycle    -   42, 43 arc-shaped transparent element    -   44 opening gap    -   45 web    -   46 traffic area    -   47 strip    -   48 wall    -   50, 51 traffic route    -   52, 53 roadway    -   54 transparent element    -   55 roof structure    -   56 opening    -   57 hook of the track device    -   58 transporting belts    -   59 shackle    -   60 escape ladder    -   70 traffic route    -   71, 72 traffic area    -   73, 74 traffic route    -   75 to 78 traffic areas    -   79 three-dimensional framework    -   80 tube    -   81 connecting element    -   82 traffic route    -   83 traffic route    -   84, 85 traffic areas    -   88 traffic route    -   89 pedestrians    -   90 supporting structure

1-53. (canceled)
 54. A traffic installation, having a) at least twotraffic routes arranged one above the other, b) which each comprise atleast one traffic area, c) which traffic area is completely enclosed atleast over a certain length, d) the enclosure having at least onetransparent element allowing a view out of the enclosure characterizede) in that at least one traffic route is assigned at least one devicefor supplying fresh air and/or for extracting exhaust air, f) in thatthe transparent element of the enclosure of the traffic area of thistraffic route has two spaced-apart, transparent plates, between which atleast one hollow space is formed, g) in that the transparent element isarranged with a first side in a first strip with a U-shapedcross-sectional profile, h) the first strip having in a limb of theU-shaped cross-sectional profile that is facing the traffic area atleast one opening to an inner space of the first strip that is connectedto the hollow space of the transparent element, i) in that thetransparent element is arranged with a second side in a second stripwith a U-shaped or double U-shaped cross-sectional profile, j) thesecond strip having an inner space, which extends along the second stripand is connected to the hollow space of the transparent element, k) theopening of the first strip, the inner space of the first strip, thehollow space of the transparent element and the inner space of thesecond strip forming a channel, l) the channel being connected to thedevice for supplying fresh air and/or for extracting exhaust air. 55.The traffic installation as claimed in claim 54, which has a supportingstructure for the traffic routes.
 56. The traffic installation asclaimed in one of in claim 55, in which the supporting structure isformed in such a way that it completely encloses at least one trafficarea of a traffic route, at least over a certain length.
 57. The trafficinstallation as claimed in claim 54, in which the transparent element isformed like a window or like a noise barrier window and is fitted intothe supporting structure like a window or a noise barrier window, atraffic route comprising at least one window-like or noise barrierwindow-like element at least at the viewing height of a traveler usingthe traffic area of the traffic route.
 58. The traffic installation asclaimed in claim 54, in which the transparent element has at least onthe side facing the traffic area of the traffic route a sound-absorbingsurface, in particular a surface formed as a honeycomb.
 59. The trafficinstallation as claimed in claim 54, in which the plates of thetransparent element are separated by at least one web.
 60. The trafficinstallation as claimed in claim 54, in which the enclosure is formed asa tunnel.
 61. The traffic installation as claimed in claim 54, in whichthe enclosure has at least two side walls, at least one side wall beingformed at least partly by a transparent element.
 62. The trafficinstallation as claimed in claim 54, in which the enclosure has a roofstructure.
 63. The traffic installation as claimed in claim 62, in whichthe roof structure comprises at least one transparent element.
 64. Thetraffic installation as claimed in claim 54, in which the enclosure hasat least one transparent element, which comprises a longitudinal extentand is arc-shaped in cross section.
 65. The traffic installation asclaimed in claim 64, in which two arc-shaped, transparent elements forma portion of the enclosure.
 66. The traffic installation as claimed inclaim 54, in which the enclosure has at least one opening for airexchange and/or fire protection.
 67. The traffic installation as claimedin claim 54, in which a traffic route has at least one crash barrier.68. The traffic installation as claimed in claim 67, in which the crashbarrier has on its side facing the traffic area a sound-absorbingsurface.
 69. The traffic installation as claimed in claim 67, in whichthe crash barrier has at least one recess and/or at least one channeland/or at least one empty tube.
 70. The traffic installation as claimedin claim 67, in which the at least one recess and/or the at least onechannel and/or the at least one empty tube of the traffic route and/orof the crash barrier are intended for receiving at least one componentof a traffic control system.
 71. The traffic installation as claimed inclaim 67, in which the at least one recess and/or the at least onechannel and/or the at least one empty tube of the traffic route and/orof the crash barrier are intended for receiving at least one componentof an automatic transport system for a means of transport.
 72. Thetraffic installation as claimed in claim 54, which has at least oneelement which is assigned to the traffic route, is arranged inside theenclosure of the traffic route and is intended for separating the flowof noise and/or wind and/or separating the flow of exhaust gases, cloudsof smoke, etc.